A fixture of Christmas decor is the nativity scene, the depictions of Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus, plus shepherds, Wise Men, and a small menagerie of animals. This popular devotional art, which exists in many different forms, was invented in 1223 by St. Francis of Assisi.
Some economists, policy-makers, and politicians are calling for the revival of the Biblical principle of the Jubilee, which offered a mechanism for cancelling everyone's financial debts. Is that a valid application of Scripture?
In the controversy over the value of liberal democracy, it's hard to see how Luther fits. Some scholars credit him and others blame him for the rise of liberalism. Still others present him as a conservative or reactionary. In light of such disagreement, perhaps Luther can show us how to be a conservative liberal or a liberal conservative.
The House of Representatives has voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Now the Senate will put him on trial, probably after the New Year. What do you think of this?
The United States has the world's highest rates of children who live with only one parent. The U.S. also leads the world or is among the leaders in other marks of family breakdown. And Christians have the same rates of single parenthood as the "unaffiliated."
"If Christ had arrived with trumpets and lain in a cradle of gold, his birth would have been a splendid affair. But it would not be a comfort to me. He was rather to lie in the lap of a poor maiden and be thought of little significance in the eyes of the world. Now I can come to him." Luther's Nativity Sermon (1530)
Liberal-minded, non-religious Great Britain gave its Conservative Party and Trump-like Prime Minister Boris Johnson a landslide victory. The election holds lessons for Republicans, Democrats, and the American media.
The early Church Growth Movement promoted the use of marketing techniques to attract as many people as possible to form a "mega-church." But today's marketing focuses on targeting narrow interest groups. So we now have "micro-churches" aimed at bikers, cowboys, fitness buffs, coloring book fans, and other "missional communities."
Animal lovers who have pets, we are now told, are violating animal rights. And having all of those dogs and cats is also destructive of the environment.
Works of art--whether paintings or literature or crafts--make outstanding Christmas presents. They are unique. They are personal. They are meaningful. Here are some contemporary Lutheran authors and artists who deserve your patronage.
Select your answer to see how you score.
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